Scientific Lead, Forensic Biology

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Forensic Services, the Scientific Lead is responsible for leading the establishment and ongoing delivery of Alberta’s provincial forensic DNA program. This senior leadership role provides scientific, operational, and strategic oversight to ensure the delivery of professional forensic DNA services that meet the standards established by the Canadian judiciary, international accrediting bodies, and the forensic science community.

The Scientific Lead serves as the provincial expert in human forensic DNA analysis and plays a key role in advancing forensic science through research, innovation, collaboration, and expert consultation.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Scientific Oversight

•    Lead the research, development, validation, and implementation of forensic DNA tests, methods, and procedures.
•    Establish and oversee the laboratory’s quality management framework, including the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation studies, workflows, and training programs to support accreditation, ongoing operations, and continuous compliance. 
•    Ensure the laboratory maintains a high level of technical proficiency, with forensic results, methods, and practices grounded in validated scientific principles and aligned with established judicial and accreditation standards.
•    Evaluate scientific results and ensure findings are incorporated into operational practices.
•    Ensure laboratory practices meet accreditation standards, judicial requirements, and professional best practices.
•    Provide expert scientific advice to support criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Laboratory and Team Leadership

•    Provide senior supervision and direction to a multidisciplinary forensic laboratory team, including forensic biologists, administrative staff, and contract personnel.
•    Coordinate, prioritize, implement, and evaluate laboratory activities to ensure quality, consistency, and timely service delivery.
•    Oversee recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development of staff.
•    Ensure effective laboratory operations through oversight of performance, resource allocation, and continuous improvement to meet service delivery and quality objectives.

Role Responsibilities Cont.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

•    Develop and maintain strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government partners, scientific laboratories, and non governmental organizations.
•    Coordinate forensic analysis activities within the division and with provincial, national, and international partners to support effective service delivery and information sharing.
•    Provide expert scientific advice to police, scientific partners, and senior leadership to support investigative processes while maintaining scientific independence.

Scientific Leadership and Representation

•    Serve as a recognized authority in forensic biology and represent the provincial forensic DNA program at the provincial, national, and international levels. 
•    Participate in and contribute to provincial scientific committees and advisory bodies. 
•    Lead and contribute to national and international committees addressing emerging scientific, technical, and policy issues in forensic DNA analysis. 
•    Advance forensic science through applied research, innovation, and contributions to peer-reviewed publications. 
•    Present expert knowledge at provincial, national, and international forums, including as an invited or keynote speaker.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Qualifications

Required

•    Doctoral degree (PhD) in forensic science, molecular biology, genetics, or a related discipline plus 8 years of progressively responsible experience in human forensic DNA analysis
•    Significant senior level experience in human forensic DNA analysis within an accredited laboratory environment.
•    Demonstrated experience leading scientific staff and managing complex laboratory operations.
•    In-depth knowledge of forensic DNA standards, accreditation requirements, quality assurance frameworks, and the expectations of the Canadian justice system.
•    Eligibility to provide expert testimony in court.

Equivalency

•    Master’s degree in a related discipline plus a minimum of 10 years related experience in human forensic DNA analysis.

Assets

•    Experience working within a government or public sector forensic environment, including familiarity with the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB/CODIS) and associated requirements. 
•    Experience contributing to national or international scientific committees, working groups, or advisory bodies. 
•    Record of peer-reviewed publications and contributions to applied forensic research.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

•    Office is located in Sherwood Park, Alberta 
•    Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (full time)
•    Monday to Friday (8:15 am to 4:30 pm)

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Other Application Information:

•    Please include a cover letter outlining how your education and skills align with the role.
•    Final candidates will be required to undergo a written assignment and/or presentation demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
•    This position will require final candidates to undergo an enhanced fingerprint-based security clearance.
•    Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
•    Leadership and mentorship programs